They are searching for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of the studio. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and artists to create ...
They are searching for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of the studio. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and artists to create ...
Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and shape the future of the company. The role involves collaborating with ...
Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and shape the future of the company. The role involves collaborating with ...
They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and collaborate with a team of veteran developers to create engaging gameplay experiences. Responsibilities : • Understand ...
They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and collaborate with a team of veteran developers to create engaging gameplay experiences. Responsibilities : • Understand ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$150 - $180/hr
Senior Gameplay AI Engineer Skydance Games, a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is hiring a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer to build key NPC gameplay features and frameworks. Remote ...
New
Senior Gameplay Engineer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$150 - $180/hr
Senior Gameplay AI Engineer Skydance Games, a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is hiring a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer to build key NPC gameplay features and frameworks. Remote ...
New
Senior Gameplay Programmer AI [USA]
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Excellent programming ability understand 3d game gameplay architecture * Familiar with 3d mathematics and linear algebra * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Excellent teamwork ability ...
Senior Gameplay Programmer AI [USA]
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Excellent programming ability understand 3d game gameplay architecture * Familiar with 3d mathematics and linear algebra * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Excellent teamwork ability ...
Excellent programming ability understand 3d game gameplay architecture * Familiar with 3d mathematics and linear algebra * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Excellent teamwork ability ...
Excellent programming ability understand 3d game gameplay architecture * Familiar with 3d mathematics and linear algebra * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Excellent teamwork ability ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
Irvine, CA · On-site
$116.20 - $269.10/hr
What the Role Entails Lightspeed LA is seeking a talented and enthusiastic senior gameplay engineer to join our new studio in Irvine, California. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for ...
New
Senior Gameplay Engineer
Irvine, CA · On-site
$116.20 - $269.10/hr
What the Role Entails Lightspeed LA is seeking a talented and enthusiastic senior gameplay engineer to join our new studio in Irvine, California. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for ...
New
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
Senior Gameplay EngineerSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site +1
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site +1
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site +1
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site +1
$108K - $161K/yr
What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$280K/yr
... Senior) or 10+ years (Staff) developing gameplay systems, conversational AI, NPC behaviors, or system architecture.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development ...
New
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$280K/yr
... Senior) or 10+ years (Staff) developing gameplay systems, conversational AI, NPC behaviors, or system architecture.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development ...
New
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$280K/yr
... Senior) or 10+ years (Staff) developing gameplay systems, conversational AI, NPC behaviors, or system architecture.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development ...
New
Senior Gameplay Engineer
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$280K/yr
... Senior) or 10+ years (Staff) developing gameplay systems, conversational AI, NPC behaviors, or system architecture.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development ...
New
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.
Senior Gameplay AI Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$114K - $157K/yr
Striking Distance Studios is looking for a Senior AI Engineer to work in a cooperative, cross-disciplinary team environment to implement gameplay features and systems within our games. The role ...
Senior Gameplay AI Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$114K - $157K/yr
Striking Distance Studios is looking for a Senior AI Engineer to work in a cooperative, cross-disciplinary team environment to implement gameplay features and systems within our games. The role ...
Senior Gameplay Programmer information
See California salary details
$13.29 - $18.53
1% of jobs
$18.53 - $23.77
2% of jobs
$23.77 - $29.01
3% of jobs
$29.01 - $34.25
8% of jobs
$34.25 - $39.49
6% of jobs
$42.98 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$39.49 - $44.73
6% of jobs
$44.73 - $49.97
14% of jobs
The median wage is $52.92 / hr.
$49.97 - $55.21
17% of jobs
$60.16 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$55.21 - $60.45
19% of jobs
$60.45 - $65.69
13% of jobs
$65.69 - $70.93
11% of jobs
$13
$51
$70
How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior gameplay programmer in California is $51.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.41 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a senior gameplay programmer?
Senior Gameplay Programmers are experienced software developers who focus on creating and implementing the interactive elements of video games, such as controls, mechanics, and player interactions. They collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to bring the game's vision to life, ensuring a smooth and engaging player experience. In addition to programming, they often mentor junior staff, participate in code reviews, and help shape the technical direction of the game. Their expertise is crucial in solving complex technical challenges and optimizing gameplay systems for performance and fun.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior gameplay programmer?
To thrive as a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you need advanced programming skills (typically in C++ or C#), a deep understanding of game mechanics, and several years of experience in game development. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and sometimes a degree in computer science or related fields are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality, engaging gameplay experiences and leading technical innovation within a game development team.
How does a senior gameplay programmer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?
As a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you'll frequently work with designers, artists, and QA testers to bring gameplay features to life. Your role involves translating design concepts into functional game mechanics, debugging issues, and ensuring smooth integration with art and audio assets. Regular meetings and agile workflows are common, allowing you to provide technical input early in the feature design process and iterate quickly based on feedback. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll often act as a bridge between creative and technical teams to ensure the game's vision is realized efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California?
The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California?
For Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs?
Cities in California with the most Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings:
Job description
Job Summary:
Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco with a team of veteran game developers. They are searching for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of the studio. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and artists to create engaging gameplay systems and enhance the user experience.
Responsibilities:
• Understand the game design and make it a reality.
• Collaborate with other engineers, designers, and artists to craft a great user experience.
• Decide what’s needed and take the lead on building and polishing it.
Qualifications:
Required:
• You're comfortable working in C++
• You've built multiple gameplay systems before and have shipped them to users
• You're at home working on a large game engine
Preferred:
• Experience building RPG gameplay systems
• Experience working with Unreal Engine 4
• Experience shipping on a major console like XBox or PlayStation
• A love and passion for gaming
Company:
Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of action role-playing games. It is a sub-organization of Zynga. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.
Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco with a team of veteran game developers. They are searching for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of the studio. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and artists to create engaging gameplay systems and enhance the user experience.
Responsibilities:
• Understand the game design and make it a reality.
• Collaborate with other engineers, designers, and artists to craft a great user experience.
• Decide what’s needed and take the lead on building and polishing it.
Qualifications:
Required:
• You're comfortable working in C++
• You've built multiple gameplay systems before and have shipped them to users
• You're at home working on a large game engine
Preferred:
• Experience building RPG gameplay systems
• Experience working with Unreal Engine 4
• Experience shipping on a major console like XBox or PlayStation
• A love and passion for gaming
Company:
Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of action role-playing games. It is a sub-organization of Zynga. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.
About Echtra Games
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Pc games
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
San Francisco, CA, US
Year founded
2016